Laurier Global Studies student named a finalist for a full-ride scholarship at McGill University

Feb. 5, 2021

Wilfrid Laurier University Global Studies student Hayley Newman-Petryshen has been named a finalist for the inaugural McCall MacBain Scholarship, Canada’s first comprehensive leadership-based scholarship for master’s and professional studies.

The scholarship covers all tuition and fees for a master’s or professional degree at McGill University, provides a monthly stipend for living costs and includes opportunities to participate in an intensive leadership development program.

Newman-Petryshen will join 49 Canadian peers from 28 universities at virtual final interviews from March 11 to 13. She will participate in interviews with leaders from academia, business, government and the social sector. Over 735 people applied for the McCall MacBain Scholarships and 132 participated in regional interviews with local leaders in November before the 50 finalists were selected. Up to 20 winners will be chosen after final interviews. Finalists were chosen based on their character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity.

Newman-Petryshen helps run social justice initiatives through the Laurier Students’ Public Interest Research Group and started a committee that engaged nine campus groups to discuss and work to improve menstrual equity at Laurier. She has been volunteering with the WLU Rotaract chapter for four years, including last year as president. She also works part-time jobs at Laurier’s Waterloo campus.

“When I came to university, I knew I wanted to do more than just expand my knowledge base – I wanted to truly grow as a person,” she says. “By getting involved on campus and in the community, I was able to discover my interests and passions, which ultimately helped me find my purpose.”

In the fall, she hopes to pursue a Master of Arts in Political Science.

“There is no typical McCall MacBain Scholar,” said Natasha Sawh, dean of the McCall MacBain Scholarships. “We look for potential in students from all walks of life, with different academic and volunteer interests. What unites them is the inner drive to learn, lead, and make a positive impact in other people’s lives.”

Finalists who are not selected as McCall MacBain Scholars will be eligible for a $10,000 entrance award for their studies at McGill University.

The scholarships are the result of the 2019 landmark gift of $200 million, the single-largest gift in Canadian history at that time, by John and Marcy McCall MacBain. The McCall MacBain Scholarships will expand internationally over the next decade, with nearly 300 McCall MacBain Scholars selected by 2030. Find out more about the scholarships.